Prepare Your Tractor for Spring
Most farmers don’t get into much action on the fields in the winter months. This downtime makes it the perfect time to perform maintenance on your tractor and prepare it for spring. Performing routine maintenance is key to giving your tractor long-lasting life and making sure its performance is in tip-top shape for the warmer months.
Give Your Tractor A Quick Visual Inspection
The first step to getting your tractor ready for spring is to simply take a look around it. Notice if anything seems out of place or broken. If there is anything that immediately stands out and needs to be taken care of, give your attention to that first.
Tires
Now take a closer look at your tires. The colder months are likely to affect your tire pressure, so check them and see if they need to be filled with air. Also, pay attention to the tread of the tire and keep an eye out for any holes or cuts. If you spot any, it might be time for a replacement.
Get Under the Hood
Next, it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty. Doing a thorough inspection of the many components under the hood is vital to gauge the health of your tractor. Before you begin, ensure that your engine is turned off and your machine is parked.
Fluids
Check all of your fluids to make sure they are at their proper levels. Replace them and fill them to the designated fill line if needed. This includes the fuel filter, hydraulic oil, transmission oil, engine oil, and coolant fluid.
Filters
While you are taking inventory of your fluids, take a look at your filters. The air filter, oil filter, and hydraulic filter all need attention. You should be changing these at least once a year, preferably when you change the engine oil.
Belts and Hoses
Check all belts and hoses such as the alternator and fan belts to make sure there are no leaks or cracks. Also, make sure they are tightened and replaced if needed.
Battery
It’s important to do a check-up on your battery, especially in the cold months. Cold weather and a tractor that has been still can hurt battery life. If the battery seems to be in good condition, a simple charge will do the trick. If not, it’s probably time for a replacement.
Test Your Tractor
Once you have checked the major components under the hood, it’s time to get in the driver's seat and see if your tractor is ready for takeoff. Start your engine and let it run for about 3 minutes and make sure everything sounds and looks good. You’ll also want to check your brakes, drives, and clutches to make sure they are working properly.
Maintenance Specials
Now is the perfect time to get your tractor in check because Tennessee Tractor has February maintenance specials including 15% off Ag filters and 5% off Ag maintenance and inspections. Stop by your nearest Tennessee Tractor or click here for more information.